20/06/2024
Dear Gen Z of Kenya,
Your innovative approach to protests and social movements is reshaping the landscape of civic engagement. Utilizing social media and digital platforms, you’ve demonstrated a powerful capacity for mobilization and raising awareness on critical issues like the Finance Bill. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about the government's ability to stifle your efforts through "manufactured consent," a concept extensively discussed by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman.
Manufactured consent involves the strategic manipulation of public opinion through media and propaganda. Governments and influential elites often use this technique to shape narratives, control dissent, and maintain the status quo. By controlling information and promoting specific viewpoints, they can create an illusion of consensus or marginalize dissenting voices.
To counteract this, it's essential to maintain a critical perspective on the information you encounter. Diversify your sources of news and be wary of potential biases. Encourage open dialogue within your networks to scrutinize and verify facts before accepting them as truth. Leveraging your digital literacy is key to combating misinformation and propaganda.
Moreover, fostering solidarity and building robust, decentralized networks can strengthen your movement. Collaborate with like-minded organizations and activists to amplify your message. This approach not only broadens your reach but also ensures that your movement is resilient to efforts aimed at weakening it.
Transparency and accountability should be cornerstones of your strategy. Clearly articulate your objectives and the rationale behind your actions. Engage with the public, not just online but also through community outreach, to build broader support and understanding of your cause.
Remember, the power of your movement lies in its authenticity and grassroots nature. By staying informed, united, and transparent, you can effectively counter attempts to manufacture consent and continue to drive meaningful change in Kenya.
Stay strong and continue to be the voice of innovation and progress. Your efforts are shaping a brighter future for all.
